Fine rise for overdue library books

Last year Harrogate library had the most visitors among libraries in the county

The council has increased fines for overdue library books in North Yorkshire.

The cost has risen from 30p to 35p per book per day, but charges continue to apply solely to adult borrowers, not children.

North Yorkshire County Council said it was the first time fines had risen in almost a decade, saying the 5p uplift was the result of "increased pressures on finances".

Income from fines goes directly towards library running costs, the authority said.

The charge to print an A4-sheet of paper, in black and white, has also increased - from 10p to 20p.

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The maximum fine for overdue returns is £8 per book

In an email sent to library members, the council said: "Charges incurred at our community libraries go directly back to the groups managing those libraries, and makes up a valuable part of the income needed to meet their running costs.

"To mitigate the increase, and to help customers keep track of items on loan, we will be introducing reminders about when books are due back."

Last year, Harrogate was the most popular library in the county with 177,629 visits recorded, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Annual visitor numbers at other libraries in the former Harrogate district area ranged from 110,191 in Knaresborough to 18,676 at Starbeck library

In 2015, the running of 31 libraries in the county was handed to volunteers in the face of mounting financial pressure.

The council's library service continues to provide the infrastructure, including books and public IT, as well as some paid staff support to ensure consistency across the county.